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Congress·In Committee·5 months ago

Congress Moves to Let Prosecutors and Federal Judges Carry Concealed Handguns With Training Proof

Also known as: Protect Our Prosecutors and Judges Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(1)
Retiree
Neutral
Positive Impacts(1)
Gun Owner
Helps

Key Points

  • Lets certain working prosecutors and federal judges carry a concealed handgun across the U.S., similar to rules for some law enforcement.
  • Sets ID and training proof they must carry, including a photo ID plus a firearms qualification certification.
  • Covers both current and retired prosecutors and federal judges, with yearly firearms qualification required for retirees.
  • Bars certain items like machine guns, silencers, and destructive devices, even if the person qualifies.
  • Directs the Justice Department and the federal courts’ administrative office to write rules needed to put the changes into practice.
Gun PolicyCriminal Justice

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Oct 9, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Oct 9, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After the bill becomes law, likely within months

Justice Department and the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts write new rules and guidance

Creates the practical paperwork steps (what IDs and certifications look like, how to verify them) so eligible prosecutors and federal judges can use the new carry authority reliably.

After federal rules/guidance are released

Agencies begin issuing updated prosecutor IDs and setting up certification options

Current prosecutors who want to carry concealed will need an ID that clearly marks them as a prosecutor plus a training certification. Offices may set up testing schedules or point staff to state/instructor testing.

After the bill becomes law, once courts update ID processes

Federal courts begin issuing judge IDs usable for the new concealed-carry authority

Federal judges who choose to carry will need the right federal photo ID plus state/instructor certification. This is the step that makes the policy workable for judges who travel.

Every 12 months after a retiree starts using the carry authority

Retired prosecutors and retired federal judges complete annual firearms qualification to stay eligible

Retirees who want to carry must plan for recurring training/qualification and keep documents current, because the bill requires qualification within the prior 12 months at the individual’s expense.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Protect Our Prosecutors and Judges Act of 2025

Bill NumberS 2993
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.